In this video we review one of America's most iconic rifles - The Winchester 94 and discuss which ones are more desirable, why, and how to identify them. Watch and walk back in time through the 120+ year history of the Winchester 1894...
The Winchester 1894 Commemorative series rifles were produced from 1965-2005. These have their own unique serial numbers and were all "Post-64" production rifles
Links:
Winchester Serial Number Lookups: winchestercollector.org/dates/
Winchester Commemorative Rifles: winchestercollector.org/winch...
In 1960 I found a 94 in a hardware store. It had been used and was in wonderful condition. I was 17. I paid $25 for it but a few years later, due to a hardship, had to sell it. I regret that move to this day. That same rifle today is worth over $1,000. I am crying inside.
Got a pre 1964 today for $295.00. Was bought by an older man when he was 18 in 1957 for $75.00. He went hunting once with it, cleaned it and put it in a leather bag where it’s been for 63 years. Has three rounds through it. Has some surface rust but is otherwise tight and the wood is in pristine condition. Serial number begins 22*****
No shit! My grandfather just found his old '94 and gave it to my father. Serial number also starts with 22***** and was made in 1957.
Excuse me ,now how mucho is it ?
Poor old man. You broke it off in his a**!😢 BTW, I got a 1963 model 94 from a pawn shop for $300!😆
My Dad presented me with a new angle-eject model 94 Legacy in 1995. Since then, many deer and one red stag have been toppled with this beloved 30-30.
A couple years ago I helped a friend get rid of his model 94 gun collection. He had many of them and a few different calibers. There were just under 200 of them. None of the newer rifles were close to a match in quality as the pre 64 models and the quality varied a lot in the newer rifles.
I grew up observing and admiring my dad's 94 Win .32 that always sat on the upper shelf of my parents' room. Boxes of ammo and individual rounds for it also surrounded the rifle. It always fascinated me as a child and I always thought it was his service rifle when he served as a paratrooper. I finally had the opportunity to shoot it when I was either 15 or 16. My dad took my brother and I to a canyon to shoot it to mark a milestone in our lives. More like a way of demonstrating that I was old enough to know about the importance of guns. I didn't like the recoil, so I never shot it after that until a few years ago when I received it as a gift. It was my first gun even before I ever shot a pistol. I then stocked up on .32WS ammo because it was already pretty hard to find in stores. The only store that had that ammo was Bass Pro but even they would run out and rarely restock. Thankfully, I have more than enough. To my surprise, I finally learned the history of that rifle. Depending on the website and source, it was manufactured in either 1909 or 1912. The rifle is in exceptionally excellent condition. But that's because my father reblued after he bought it from a rancher in the late 50s for a mere $20. I carefully inspected it and it seems that all the parts are original. Some of the stampings are barely visible, which confirms its authenticity. I've shot it a few times and to the surprise of myself and others who were at the desert when I shot it for the second time in my life, I was able to shoot a small 100 yard target several times. I had no experience shooting, so that rifle is extremely accurate. It's one of my bedside home defense guns.
Bought my 94 in 1986 from an elderly woman whose husband had passed, she had 2 of them, was selling them for $50.00 apiece, got there too late to buy both of them ,got one of them, all of the deer I have killed have been with this 94,great shooting gun!👍
I think the easiest way to identify a pre-64 is the presence of the link pin stop screw right behind the serial number.
Great video and wonderful information. Thank you for the link for dating the rifle. I just checked mine and the date was 1915. It has been handed down in my family for generations and will go to my son as well. I got my first mule dear at 16 with this rifle back in 1973 and it is still in working shape. Thanks again for the great video.
When I found a pre 64, I bought it .zero regrets. I love it.
I just bought a 1953 94 for my father im picking up next monday. This should be a good surprise for his birthday.
It's an excellent suprise for your Dads Birthday ! And if you would like a step dad I'll volunteer ! Lol🤣😂🤣
One of the beautiful things about the 94 (& there are MANY). Is that even when you see one that’s been beat to hell and back, it will usually still function like it should and shoot true. I have a ‘46 and ‘61. I’d take either over any of my Suppressed SBR AR15’s and I have a number of them.
Mine is made in 1950 and is in beautiful condition. One of my favorite rifles.
I bought a used ‘55 at a gun store that I ended up working for near my home. It was real beat up, probably bounced around in an old pickup in the Wild West of NM . My favorite gunsmith off site from the store did a fantastic hot re- blue and his wife re- finished the stock. Looks great and shoots straight! Ps. Looks like the one at the bottom of the thumb nail !
The rifle arrived today and I dialed in the scope just a couple hours ago kzhead.infoUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL . I haven’t shot with a scope in probably 25 years. The X on the left was my target. (the shot almost in the bullseye on the right X was my father in laws first shot after I made adjustments) The two shots circled are my first 2 shots. Then I brought it down - shot once. Then brought it over to the left. From there zeroed it in to dead center. This all was from 25 yards out. Follow instructions carefully when mounting the scope. So far I'm very happy with the purchase.
The information here was very helpful. One thing I’ve noticed that none of the Winchester videos ever talked about gun fights in the old west or any other place in the US using the Winchester rifle, I think people would like to hear about that. On Pawn Stars they had a Winchester rifle used in the hatfield and McCoy feud. If you would be so kind as to make a video and touch on that I would appreciate it.
Just bought a 32 Winchester Special at the gun show, made between 1943 and 1947 when records were not kept.
Nicely Done, and thanks to your Winchester link I learned my Model 88 in .308 was built in 1963. Thank you from Montana
Thanks for the detailed review!
Excellent video! Well explained!!
Good video sir, post 64 productions had QC issues & from 1970s Winchester made some improvements from stamped internals to cast internals & better blueing. For side angle ejections they were 94 AE XTR productions.
Light,fast,small,accurate, the four advantage of the Winchester 94
I have a 94 with the tang safety. I haven't ever shot it. I bought it used from a pawn shop years ago. The wood is very dark and in pristine condition and the blueing is flawless. I have a few JM stamped marlins and a couple glenfields all in 30-30. I don't shoot much, I just love guns.
Answered so many of my questions, thank you.
Excellent video, thanks. I just walked off with an 1894 chambered in 30WCF, made in 1915, excellent condition, for 240 bucks. The guy wanted to get rid of it because he could no longer find 30 WCF ammo for it and considered it a wall hanger. Imagine that. :-( I didn't tell him the cartridge is now called the 30/30. He was happy with the deal because he had the bucks together to buy an AR-15. And I added a treasure to my collection.
You stole that rifle. Great buy
Good video. My Winchester 94 is serial # 17218xx, 1950 manufacture in 30/30. Condition is 9 out 10. This is one great rifle, love the history. Will hope my kids/grandkids will appreciate as much as I do.
I am considering buying a model 94 that has a low serial number. According to what I have found with it's number of 815XX it was built in 1900.
Lance Norton Did you buy it?
Very informative video. I'm thinking of buying a lever gun and didn't know all this pre 64 info. Thinks
Thank you for your knowledge. Much appreciated.
You made my day!!!! Thank you so much for posting this great video. I plugged my serial numbers in from the link you provided 2554520... and discovered my rifle was made in 1962. When I bought the rifle the seller said it was made in 1964. The rifle is gorgeous... I had some reservations and really wanted a Pre-64. On closer exam...it had all the classic features, I sprung for it, and it turns out to be what I really wanted.Thank you!!!!
my number is 2443xxx . Made in 1961. I have paid 500 doll.canadien. (1,3 $ Can.= 1 $ US) . How much did you paid ? Montreal
Oleg O good for you ther not really worth a whole bunch I think thers so many around they lasted forever ther is so many deer hunters that all the old guys are passing them down now and the young are selling them they don’t like hunting like the old day ther all vegans and won’t kill a animal for food fuck they won’t kill a chicken for food that’s what I think also a very durable rifle lasted forever you can watch some old videos and see thers lots of them still out ther being used for deer hunting from early 1900 like a hundred plus years see them all the time on you tube videos so I would imagine that the museum s have a lot of them
I have a pre 64 chambered in .32 spcl. It was my grandpa's gun, and my father's, and now mine. It will be in my family hopefully long after I am gone. Mine was made in 1958
I have the same rifle...a masterpiece...i looked it up and it's worth well over $1,000 in the condition mine is in
Nathan Jennings I have a 1948 and a 1952 both in 30-30. There is a 1906 on display in New Brunswick Canada at woodsman museum in Boistown.
I am 72 years old and my rifle was built in 1902 and is a 32-40. My dad bought the gun from the original owner and passed it down to my older brother when he was old enough to hunt and then me when I came of age. My youngest (41) son now has possession of our gun and we plan on keeping it in the family.
i got my Model 94 saddle carbine (production early 1907) from my father who got it from his father and so on back to original purchase and it is one of my absolute favorites in my collection
I have the 94 cowboy commemorative 1970 30-30 and a model 64 deer style 1949 in 32 spl. Love just looking at them
Hey Robert that's a sweet combination of Winchesters you have there! Similarly, I own a 1976 commemorative almost identical to your '70. So awesome. Always wanted Winchester's M64 deer rifle.... Settled on a 24" barreled 1981 commemorative, in 32WS! Very capable works of art for sure.
Great video sir 👍
Great video! I have a 1928 model 94 saddle ring carbine, no doubt my favorite !
Watching this video again! I just got my 5th 94! A 9410 shotgun! I have a 1898 25-35, 1954 30-30, 1980 9422 XTR, 1982 357 mag, and now the 9410!
Nice I have 1951 94 in 32 special bluing is still 95% wood still in fantastic shape had a 1979 frontiersman number l444 in 38-55 24 inch half round and octagon barrel buetiful straight grain walnut with a medallion in the buttstock and engraving on both sides of the receiver
Very good review
Outstanding video! I love the model 94 Winchester. The single greatest rifle ever made, and the 30-30 Winchester cartridge is a masterpiece for all American Big game. Buffalo Bore ammunition, 190 grain is a powerhouse.
Mike Richards ~$85.90 for 20 rounds of 190 grain Buffalo Bore 30-30, too expensive, no thank you.
VERY PROFESSIONALY DONE
3 Wunderschöne Gewehre, besonders das goldene sieht sehr gut aus, ein Traum.
I have 2 of these both 1958. They were my father's and grandfather's. My father told me they bought them together new back in the day.
I have received my first 94, it was minus a stock but I carved out my own after a few hours it's back too it's original glory
Thank you for posting this most informative video, I hope I will be able to find a pre 64
After 5 months of looking I finally found myself one!
I too have a Golden Spike Commerorative, left to me by a favorite uncle. I have a 1913 production 2nd model with a saddle ring and a Trapper Model made just before the angle eject came out. I would not own an angle eject or crossbolt safety model.
Great Video!I have serial number 139XXXX 1943-1947
Nice video . Informative...........
I have a miroku winchester deluxe short rifle, they are really nice & beautiful and I personaly like the tang safety because you can cock the hammer and pull the trigger with the safety engaged, but it blocks the hammer from hitting the firing pin. So you can use the safety to safely decock the weapon with a round in the chamber. plus it holds 7 in the mag if you need it...
Bought a 1894 rifle several years ago. It was made in 1901 was 30 WCF nickel steel barrel
Excellent video!! Very informative of a fantastic rifle. I bought a 1913 Model 1894 from a fellow hunter in the woods of Vermont for $40 in 1997. I must say, if you need a scope on a 150yd brush gun.... Then you need to figure out a different way to hunt. Excellent firearm, but a bit over engineered when compared to the Marlin 336. But so smooth. Beyond reliable, accurate, hard hitting, and mine has well over a hundred deer and black bear taken (combined). Again, great video on my go to rifle.
The 1894 also saw duty in the Mexican revolution, Indian wars, WWI and WWII. The one I have , from my grandfather, was brought back from Mexico in the late 40s to early 50s, and all I can make out of the serial number is a 5 and 7, the rifle has seen some serious use.
My pre 64 30 WCF was assembled in 1929. Not many surviving from that far back. As good as the day it was bought
Just looked mine up. 400XXXX, made in 1974. Not pre-64 but I like it just the same. Thanks for the video.
I have a 2xxxxx and a 3xxxxx. So much fun!
Mine is the .32 SP , 1,70,0xxx and is 1951. Was my pops and then my grandpops before that. I'll never sell that gun. I haven't been able to shoot it in 25 years , but am going to get some ammo for it here real soon.
Haven't tried the flex-tip bullets yet, but I bought a couple of boxes to try. Don't know if they would ever be in the tube long enough to possibly deform and we in WA state can't have a loaded rifle or shotgun in our vehicles. Handguns yes with a CWP. Your video is full of information and I enjoyed your presentation.
Great video and thank you for all the information. My 1894 serial number 167XXX dates to 1899.
I recieved it for Christmas in 1974
I recently acquired a Pre 64 Winchester Model 94 30-30. The stock had previously been refinished and it's OK, but I am not completely satisfied and thinking of doing it again. Do you have any recommendations on refinishing..ie..stains, finishes, etc.? Thanks.
I’m aware of the lead pushing down a bit after tubular magazine pressure so as my father taught me was to not load more than 3-4 rounds.... plus he used a.35 Marlin, my first was a M 94 .32 Win Special side mounted weaver scope. We always ejected the same rounds upon getting back to the truck. I always did notice my oldist rounds to have the lead pushed in a bit..? You mentioned that this could be a hazard? Was there ever an actual reported incident where a lever game rifle discharged whilst in the magazine??
Commemorative Model 94s are well made, reliable rifles.
Thanks for a great general overview of the Winchester 94! I think you could easily produce a "Part 2" story that explores and explains why Winchester produced the ".32 Winchester Special" caliber - which is the rifle my father bought me as my first deer rifle back in 1973. Thankfully, he had the insight to purchase a mint condition piece that was manufactured in 1958. You could also explore and report on the near impossible task of trying to find ammunition for such a specialized caliber. As such, I am currently in the middle of securing all my components to reload my own - using original brass, the Hornady 32 Cal .321 170 gr InterLock® FP bullet, and Hornady LEVERevolution powder. Unfortunately, there are no current modern options to purchase that would mimic the wonderful Winchester 170 gr Silvertip. To add to your list of "cons" (which is hard to say when discussing this historical gun) is the inability to utilize modern slings to carry it. Obviously, the pre 64's are hand carried all day in the field. Irrespective of the fact it's around 7 pounds, it feels like 10 pounds by the end of a long day walking flats and hollows. Hope you take the opportunity to revitalize this historical rifle and further report on it's development over the years.
Scope on the western style lever action is the same as the saddle on the cow. If you want a scope rifle there are so many other rifle models..
👌🏻
Paul Harrell posted a video comparing the 30-30 and .44 magnum. Included was the Hornady levolution.
I read somewhere Winchester dropped the cintering process in the early 90s and began using c&c to cut/machine the receivers .
I have a 1962 model 94 that fires Remington core-lokt rounds perfectly. I tried the lever evolutions and they spat all over the place. I fired 8 rounds and gave the rest away. Back to the rems
My mod. 94 was made after the year 2002. Where can i check for sure when it was made ?? Thanks
The LE rounds are great but . . . some people have accuracy issues. This isn't the ammo, but the different harmonics created in the rifle because of the higher pressure and increased muzzle velocity. LE gets pretty close to the max chamber ratings. If you find it's inaccurate, you need to reload and tune the powder charge for your particular rifle. Know a couple people that did that and they are very happy with the performance they're getting. BTW, I'm a 336 fan.
Good video, with some very useful information, thank you. I have three 1894s as well, all 30 WCF. A 1907 saddle ring round barrel carbine, 1950 round barrel carbine, and a late 1963 round barrel carbine. The 1907 has very little rifling but it’s still cool. The 1950 has 90% blueing and is in excellent condition. The 1963 is well worn but shoots fine. I’ve been thinking of having the 1963 gone through and reblued. Still on the fence on that though.
Very good video! I too don't mind the cross-bolt safety on the Marlin, but not the Winchester. The same for scopes. The 94 is perfect the way it is. David Petzal did a good article on the two brands and I agree the Marlin is generally the better shooter with exceptions.
Just inherited a model 94 in 32 win special. Trying to find out when it was produced, so far with a little goggling it looked like it was made between 43-46.
I just got a model 94 year of manufacture 1898 has some patina and the buttstock has some serious wear but that's what makes it cool 😎
I believe the cross bolt safety and angle ejection were huge improvements for the 94. Lever evolution ammo has helped the cartridge keep its validity . I would take an AE model 94 with scope , over a pre 64 for all day long.
I disagree the safety is useless but each to ther own I think pre 64 is the best ther is so many people that won’t buy it because the safety don’t make sense now if the safety was on the tang could deal with that but not a cross bolt safety it’s probably the most hated thing that they changed I believe it was fn that started that trend thers guy on you tube showing people how to take out and plug that’s how hated that one is the sales went down cause of it
Blasphemy.
Great video full of information 👍🏻
I got two made before the sale to olin.25-35. Made 1805.and a 30-30 made 1907 26" octagon barrels.none like em.
Thank you.
Can the 94’s with the cross bolt safety be changed from the rebounding trigger.
THANKS ! ! 🙂😎👍
Love the 94, been hunting with it for 30 years.. Dropped a white tail at a 175 yrds. Open sight's... Walked it off with a gas Piper's wheel. We had a bet, I won!!!!😁
I'm gonna look for a pre '64, I have a later model AE model and have no complaints with it. A pre '64 would be nice to put next to my 180 series mini 14.
I have one, if you're interested.
Thanx for the info I been trying to find out what year is mine since it look old. It came out to be 1913.
Love your videos. Could you make a series of videos talking about good home defense options, shtf weapon, etc. In particular I just bought a glock 34 specifically for home defense and I'm not sure if I should attach a light. (I have a regular flashlight next to it) Thanks!!
I have two 1937 and 1957 and you can see a slight difference in quality between the two. I noticed the hammer is checked differently.
The 94. The gun that won the rest! 125 year anniversary this year so my favorite 94 will be in the woods Saturday for opening day.
It is the 1873 that is known as the gun that won the west not the 94
The 94 probably took down the most deer and lots of other thing or animals
lambastepirate notice I said won the rest not the West. That was purely intentional
Jeff Leblanc and it filled my freezer on opening day. A buck in the morning and a good doe a few hours later.
B Laws good for you the nicest rifle ever made in my opinion also I caught that you said the rifle that won the rest after I made my comment I don’t think the other guy caught it but I put my comment anyway enjoy your rifle I was looking today and I’m in Canada the shelves are bare nothing in 3030 a lot of 12 gauge stuff but most rifle or gun calipers were sold out I guess everybody was thinking zombie apocalypse instead of covid 19 the way this is going they may need to take down a animal for food I live in Canada like I say and I can’t believe the lineups for food banks miles and miles of cars I guess trump is not taking care of the people but that’s another story enjoy your Winchester have a good one and stay safe from this terrible virus peace from Canada 🇨🇦
Much quicker to tell pre 64 from post 64 is to look at the two screws behind the loading port. On pre 64s those screws are offset and on the post 64s they are one above the other. Also, the post 64s don't have the little screw on the elevator bottom between the front of the lever and the fore stock. I think, but don't know for sure that the Japanese Winchesters do have that little screws.
Well that explains it. Thank you 1963
If you don’t mind me asking the gold edition what is something like that worth in very good condition
I want one so much. One of these days I'll have a pre 64
Just bought one today at a yard sale. Made in 1951. The serial number is 1736417
My pre-64 has a serial # 882XXX with a stud for a saddle ring. What can you tell me about it? Yes, it was not in great shape when I bought it in 1960, but it has a serviceable bore and is fully functional.
Dick Pellek looks like a 1921 Here you go guncollectionsonline.com/winchestermodel94.htm
I have a ‘94 made in 1923 in excellent condition in the original 38-55 cal., a 26” barrel land crescent butt plate. The difference in quality compared to post 64s is obvious.
is the stocks all the same when you replace them sir
I have one made pre 64 chambered in .32 Winchester special.
Mine is a 32 spl,,, s/n in the 18 range,,, not sure what round to try in it,, like others i t was my grand fathers, dads and not mine,,, cant find the s/n date located mentioned in the video,, can anyone help?
One of the best rifles ever made. Excellent video, you can check out a quick review I have on a pair of pre 64 Winchesters.
I like that mine was made in 14. 1914. Still works fine.
I’d love one of these from 1948 for nostalgia reasons
I have a real nice 1949 32winspl
Where can I go to find out when my .32 Special was made?
AZ, have in my family a 30-30 Winchester rifle that we cannot find a Serial number anywhere. We looked at the spot of the bottom of the receiver where it meets the bottom of the wood forestock and there is no serial # at this location. There are no #'s on the barrel . Do you have any suggestions that would help us in determine what year this rifle ??? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.scott
Scott Harris Remove the fore end and the date may be stamped on the bottom of the barrel.
American gun companies were not supposed to produce sporting arms during ww2 there were some model 94s made off the books that did not have a serial no if I remember correctly these are stamped 30 wcf when production officially started back after the war they are stamped 30 30
My late father's rifle 32 special was bought new for him when he turned 12 he was born Feb 8th of 1932, he never liked any other rifle not even the 3006 I can vouch for why he liked the 32
Got it , buy it .
Regardless of what the Leverevolution manufacturer says, this is not really a 200 yard rifle because the buckhorn sights just aren’t long distance capable. I wouldn’t hunt beyond 125 yards with a rest or 100 yards free hand. This is why they are really close range woods rifles in my opinion. Thank you for your review.
well you can always put a red dot or a scope on it you know even if it's ugly
My Winchester has scroll work on the side of the metal. Is that a special thing or normal?
Not seeing the link to match my serial num up for year of manufacture. Serial num is 2000628